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Medicare Savings Program CT 2023

If you are either a Medicare beneficiary, eligible to receive Medicare or a Medicare agent who offers plans in CT, you need to understand the Medicare Savings Program CT 2023.  This can be a very useful tool for some clients who have a lower income.

The amount of extra help you receive depends on your gross income level.  Single people will use their gross income to determine eligibility and level of help.  Married couples’ eligibility depends on their combined gross income.  The monthly income limits in the chart below are effective as of March 1, 2022.

If your income falls either at or below the income levels listed below, If you are not sure if you are eligible to receive extra help; we have listed the income levels below:

There are 3 different levels of MSP:

The level of help you receive is based on your gross income.  Please see below for MSP levels and what they provide:

Click here for income level chart.

QMB – this level of extra help pays your Part B premium, all Medicare deductibles and co-insurance.

Income levels for QMB are as follows:  Individual, $2,390 of gross income per month,  couples, $3,220 per month.

SLMB – this level pays your Part B premium only.

The income levels for SLMB are as follows:  Individual, $2,617 of gross income per month, couples, $3,525 per month.

ALMB – this level will provide payment of your Part B premium and is subject to availability of program funds. If you receive Medicaid, you cannot participate in this program.

Income levels for ALMB are as follows:  Individual, $2,786 gross income per month and couples, $3,754 per month.

To apply online, please visit www.connect.ct.gov, under ‘Apply for Benefits.’

Formulario de Renovación de programas de ahorro de Medicare (W-1QMBS)

Click here to download a CT MSP application

If you receive any of these levels of MSP coverage, you are automatically enrolled in the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also called “Extra Help” with Medicare.  Once you are enrolled in LIS, Medicare pays the full cost of your Medicare (Part D) prescription drug coverage i fit is a benchmark plan.  Medicare will pay a portion of anon-benchmark plan.  They will also provide payment of your annual Part D deductibles, co-insurance or co-pays.  This does not change if you hi the coverage gap (donut hole).

Once you have LIS, you have a special enrollment period to change either Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.

If you need more information about the LIS, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Medicare Changes 2023

The Medicare changes 2023 includes the 2023 benefits and major changes in Part B enrollment rules.   The standard benefit changes for 2023 Medicare A and B benefits are listed below.  This includes premiums, deductibles and copays.  In addition, there are some changes to part B enrollment time frames.  There are also some notable changes to the Medicare Part D model plan design which is detailed below.

Rather learn about this information via a recorded webinar?  Review our webinars on YouTube

Big changes to Medicare Part B enrollment

The Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act (BENES ACT) creates some major changes for Medicare Beneficiaries effective 1-1-2023.

Changes to Part B enrollment

• Those in the last 3 months of their Medicare Part B IEP will be able to get a part B effective date the month after they apply!
• Those applying for Medicare Part B through the Medicare Part B General Election Period will have their Medicare B start the month after they apply.  They will no longer need to wait for a July 1 start date!
• There will be a number of Medicare Part B SEP’s for those applying outside of their IEP or the Medicare GEP
  • Those that had an emergency or disaster during their Medicare B IEP or Medicare B GEP
  • An employer or health plan made an error or material misrepresentation of information as it relates to the members Medicare enrollment
  • Those formerly incarcerated
  • Those that lose Medicaid

Medicare Agents!  Learn how to hold Medicare T-65 educational seminars to explain the important changes to Medicare prospects.  (Averaging 60 attendees per seminar)

Medicare Changes 2023:  Part A of Medicare

The Medicare Part A premium and deductible will be changing slightly for 2023.  Medicare Part A includes inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice, inpatient rehab and some home health care services.

• Inpatient hospital deductible (if admitted): Changing from $1,556 in 2022 to $1,600 in 2023
• Co-insurance will be $400 per day from day 61 through 90  ($389 in 2022)

Medicare Part A monthly premiums

Medicare enrollees age 65 and over with fewer than 40 coverage quarters and people with disabilities may voluntarily enroll in Medicare Part A at no monthly cost. Those with at least 30 quarters of coverage or were married to someone with at least 30 quarters of coverage may buy into Part A at a monthly premium.  The premium will be $278 a month starting in 2023.  This is $4.00 more a month than 2022. Individuals without other coverage and less than 30 quarters of coverage and individuals with disabilities without other coverage or have exhausted other entitlement will pay the full premium. The amount in 2023 will be $506 a month.  This is an increase of $7.00 a month compared to 2022.

Medicare changes 2023: Part B of Medicare

• Medicare Part B premium for 2023:  Monthly B premium will be $164.90 which is a reduction of $5.20 a month compared to 2022
• Annual Medicare Part B deductible:  The deductible for 2023 will be $226 which is a reduction of $7.00 a month from 2022

Medicare Changes 2023: IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)

Those with higher incomes pay more for the monthly Medicare Part B premium.  Please keep in mind, IRMAA income is based on the income of the individual from 2 years prior to the current year.  It is adjusted every year going forward.

Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage only

Beginning in 2023, Medicare enrollees who are 36 months after kidney transplant and no longer eligible for Medicare , have the option to continue Part B to cover immunosuppressive drugs. There will be a premium of $97.10 to do so.  This program will coordinate with MSP for those eligible for the program.This is a limited Part B that will cover immunosuppressive drugs only.

The 2023 Part B monthly premiums for higher earning beneficiaries with immunosuppressive drug only Part B coverage are listed in the table below:

Premiums for high-income beneficiaries with full Part B coverage who are married and lived with their spouse at any time during the taxable year, but file a separate return, are as follows:

Medicare Changes 2023: Higher earning beneficiaries with immunosuppressive drug only Part B coverage that are married and lived with their spouse at any time during the year, but file a separate return.

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Call Recording Connecture Sunfire MyMedicarebot

Connecture, Sunfire and MyMedicarebot are 3 different Medicare quote and enrollment platforms. Agents working with Crowe and Associates and PFS insurance have access to all at no cost. Agents can access all 3 through Connect4Medicare.com (You need a username and password to access the site).  Call or email our office if you do not have a username and password.

WANT TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE CALL RECORDING VIDEO EXAMPLES FOR EACH SYSTEM?  SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG POST

All 3 systems work in a similar manner by letting agents quote and compare plans and enroll prospects without the need for a face to face meeting.  They will also have the ability to record calls compliant with the new CMS call recording rules.  READ ABOUT THE NEW MEDICARE CALL RECORDING RULES FOR AGENTS HERE  There are a number of features common to all 3 systems which are listed below.  The call recording features are further down the blog post.

Common features for Connecture, Sunfire and MyMedicarebot

• Basic CRM function that saves client contact information, applications, scope of appointment documents, drug lists, doctors lists and plan history
• Create plan comparisons and email or text them to prospects and clients
• Run drug and doctors lists against the plans to see what comes out best
• The system is similar to the Medicare plan finder.  The differences are you can save all the info and you are the selling agent when using one of the 3 platforms
• Record all phone calls to be compliant with the CMS call recording requirements.  (Saves recording for the 10 years required)
• Enroll prospects over the phone via text or email (Connecture and Sunfire)  MyMedicareBot is voice signature for the scope and enrollment without the need for email or text
• Access to PURL links that allows clients and prospects to quote and compare plans and ultimately enroll in a plan on their own.  (You will be the AOR if they do)  The PURL is specific to the agent and has the agents contact information.  It can be added to a website or sent as a link through email.  Learn about the PURL
• Ability to see and compare all plans available in the area even if agent is not appointed with the company
• Watch recorded webinar on Connecture, Sunfire and Medicarebot
• You can submit your health risk assessment through Connecture & Sunfire
  • Connecture HRA carriers 2023 – Click here
  • Sunfire HRA Carriers 2023 – Click here

Update: All platforms will provide call recording at no cost to the agent.  It was initially thought there would be an extra cost to for the recording feature through Connecture but PFS insurance has made the decision to cover the additional cost for agents

Access MyMedicarebot, Connecture and Sunfire through Connect4Medicare site

MyMedicarebot

• MyMedicarebot is voice signature:  No need to email or text scopes or enrollment links
• There is a downside due to the limited number of carriers available
• Current carriers available:
  • Aetna – Quote/Enroll
  • Cigna – Quote/Enroll
  • Humana – Quote/Enroll
  • UnitedHealthcare – Quote/Enroll
  • Wellcare – Quote/Enroll
  • Anthem – Plans to be Quote only by 10/15!
  • Agents will be able to quote and compare all plans doing business in a given county but will only be able to send quotes and enroll the ones listed above

Connecture

• Connecture if making a number of improvements for 2023.  This includes the ability to enroll prospects into ancillary products such as dental, vision and hospital indemnity plans.  It will also have a feature to show drug savings programs for off formulary medications.
• Connecture has a comprehensive number of carrier available for enrollment and the ability to see carriers that the agent is not contracted to sell
• Click to see new Connecture Features for 2023

Sunfire

• Sunfire has a large number of upgrades for 2023 such as ability to pre fill the entire SOA, Access to plan history, MBI, drug help and dual status and a number of other features by giving agents access to the Marx system (limited version but still incredibly useful)
• Ability to see all plan benefits and all extra benefits on the initial 3 plan comparison without the need to drill down on benefit details.
• Very user friendly platform for agents and prospects
• Ability to see agent ready to sell (RTS) with all carriers in all states

Call Recording Connecture Sunfire MyMedicarebot:  Videos of call recording features using the links below

CLICK FOR CONNECTURE RECORDING VIDEO 

SUNFIRE RECORDING VIDEO 1

SUNFIRE RECORDING VIDEO 2

MyMedicarebot RECORDING VIDEO 

Free Medicare lead and marketing program

Crowe and Associates offer a Medicare lead program to agents!  $500 per agent per month toward any Medicare lead or marketing costs

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CMS Call Recording Requirements

CMS call recording requirements for insurance agents are a result of the CMS Final Rule set for October 1, 2022.  The rule expands the definition of who is a TPMO to include independent Medicare agents, agencies and brokers. The rules are applicable to MA/MAPD and Part D products.  Because CMS does not regulate Medicare supplement products, CMS does not include them in the new rule.  TPMO stands for Third Party Marketing Organization and now includes NMO’s, FMO’s, agencies, brokerage, independent agents and brokers.   This blog will provide an outline of the changes from the Final Rule and also how agents can be compliant with them for the 2023 AEP.

The new rules

The new rules are applicable to all TPMO’s.  The definition of a TPMO has been expanded to include both independent agents and agencies. Agents need to be compliant with the new rules by October 1, 2022.  Here are the main points to know:

• Record all calls with Medicare beneficiaries in their entirety, including the enrollment call. The rule is including the entire “chain of enrollment” which requires agents to record inbound and outbound calls, enrollments calls and any calls leading up to the enrollment and post enrollment.  (If the call is going to lead to a Medicare Advantage or PDP or the attempt to make a sale)  The recording must be available for 10 years
• The addition of a TPMO disclaimer on enrollment phone calls and any marketing materials;  the agent must state the TPMO disclaimer within the first minute of the enrollment/sales call.
• TPMO disclaimer must also be displayed on all Medicare marketing materials (Not Medicare supplements) which includes emails, websites, newspaper ads, flyers, mailers or any other promotional advertising method
• NOTE:  Call recording is NOT required when meeting for a face to face meeting.  There is also no recording requirement for educational events
• Zoom Calls:  Some carriers are stating Zoom calls are a face to face meetings.  (CMS is stating Zoom calls are not face to face and recording is needed)

CMS call recording requirements: The TPMO disclaimer

Here is the disclaimer which must be used for sales calls and on all marketing materials as well as all marketing communications:

“We do not offer every plan available in your area.  Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.  Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800 MEDICARE to get information on all options.”

Immediate steps for agents

Take the following steps to be compliant with the new rule for October 1, 2022.

• Add the TPMO disclaimer to your website
• Have the TPMO disclaimer on all email communications
• Easiest way is to add the disclaimer to your email signature line
• Add TPMO disclaimer to all marketing materials including print and TV ads.
• Use an enrollment platform that can record calls and keep them for the required 10 years  (We offer Connecture, Sunfire and MyMedicareBot at no cost)
• If you do not have access to an enrollment platform, add a service to record all calls at the office or home.  Many companies offer the service at a surprisingly low cost ($25 to $45 a month).

Connecture, Sunfire and MedicareBot offer call recording and 10 year recording storage at no cost to our agents! Learn about all three systems and watch 3 minute demonstration videos of the call solutions for each

CMS Call Recording Requirements:  Other questions and rule enforcement

Many agents are asking if they need to record all calls vs. recording only the enrollment calls.  The CMS rules make it clear; the expectation is to record all calls in the “chain of enrollment”.  This means you should record all calls leading up to the sale.  This includes the sale as well as post enrollment calls.  The unanswered question is;  how will CMS regulate it. It is reasonable to assume the carriers (They ensure compliance of CMS rules for TPMO’s) will only ask for the actual enrollment call when doing compliance checks.  Keep in mind; this is not guaranteed, so the way to be sure of 100% compliance is to record all calls.  There will likely be many agents that record the sales/enrollment call only.  Only time will tell if that is enough to stay in good standing with compliance checks.

Learn about our T-65 Medicare seminar program!  Averaging 65+ prospects per seminar!  Our agents and agencies can run seminars throughout the year using this turnkey seminar program.

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Allstate Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Allstate Medicare Supplemental Insurance products are now available for agent contracting. The product is underwritten by National General.  The plans are available in all states except: CT, HI,MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT and WA.  The plans will have multi-discounts/stackable discounts in a number of states.  Stackable discounts can result is a savings of up to 25%.  They also have an online signature enrollment method and InstaDecision E-app and ID card.

Allstate Medicare Supplemental Insurance: Multi-Discounts

There are multiple discounts available in a number of state including:

• Roommate HHD -7% :  Offered to those residing with someone 50+ years of age for 1+ year
• Dual applicant discount -10% : When 2 people in the same residence apply for MedSupp at the same time. (7% roomate + 3% dual-applicant)
• Annual pay discount – 10% : Select annual payment for a 10% discount on the premium
• Activity-Tracker discount – 5% :  Register your Fitbit/Apple Watch or other wearable fitness device and save 5%

Allstate Medicare Supplemental Insurance:  Rates

The Allstate product can currently be quoted on our CSG quote site (No cost to our agents) or on Connecture or Sunfire (No cost to our agents).  The rates are coming in as the lowest cost Medicare Supplement in a number of states currently.  Watch recorded webinar on how to use quote site

START CONTRACTING NOW!

Agents and agency use our online contract to set up to offer Allstate Medicare Supplemental Insurance.  All contracts are full street level compensation to the agent from the carrier.  Agencies looking for above street level (agency level) contracts can contact us for details.

CLICK HERE FOR AGENT AND AGENCY ONLINE CONTRACTING

Programs and benefits offered by Crowe and Associates

We offer agents a number of programs and benefits such as our lead and marketing program ($500 per agent per month), T-65 Medicare seminar program (averaging 70 prospects per seminar), access to Connecture, Sunfire and MyMedicareBot at no cost and a number of other benefits.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL AGENT BENEFITS